São Tomé Pigeon
NameSão Tomé Pigeon
Common NameSão Tomé Pigeon
Scientific NameColumba malherbii
FamilyColumbidae
Wingspan (cm)62.5
Length (cm)29
Weight (g)275
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is predominantly dark slate-grey, with the head and neck being slightly paler. The most striking feature is the iridescent bronze-green patch on the nape, which can appear coppery in certain light. The eyes are bright red, and the bill is greyish with a reddish base. The undertail coverts are rufous-chestnut.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalization is a deep, mournful, and booming 'hoo-hoo-hoo' or 'coo-coo-coo' call, characteristic of many pigeon species.
Primary Dietfrugivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeThis species is endemic to the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe, located in the Gulf of Guinea off the west coast of Central Africa.
Identifying FeaturesDark slate-grey plumage, Iridescent bronze-green nape patch, Bright red eyes, Rufous-chestnut undertail coverts, Endemic to São Tomé and Príncipe
Description
The São Tomé Pigeon is a medium-sized, dark grey pigeon with a distinctive iridescent bronze-green nape. It is an arboreal species, typically found foraging for fruits in the canopy of tropical forests on the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe.
